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Topic: [HAMR] Steve's Kit (Read 35687 times)

I believe that during the planning Steve did try a carbon speed machine. I reckon he's weighed up <sic> light/fast frame vs comfort and decided that comfort wins.

I reckon you are right there, however why not have the faster lighter bike to use on good days, when the weather is just right and Steve could really take advantage of say some aero components to eek out some additional miles and go back to old faithful the following day to recover.

Edit: It has just occurred to me that Kurt has been using aero wheels the whole time, so a pair of aero wheels (disc) could be used to not only gain a few miles but also use less energy for the same distance.

Something I've wondered is a) the 'usual' weight of Steve's carradice rack pack, and b) the difference in the weight of said rack pack when he's doing, say, a Fens loop out from home and back, compared to when he's staying with a host for the night. I suppose, how much the amount of kit Steve is carrying day to day varies..?

I believe that during the planning Steve did try a carbon speed machine. I reckon he's weighed up <sic> light/fast frame vs comfort and decided that comfort wins.

I seem to recall reading that given he's mostly riding on the flat in his view the benefit of a lighter bike is offset by the greater strength/reliability/fixability of a steel job. Once he's rolling the weight penalty is minimal.

I believe that during the planning Steve did try a carbon speed machine. I reckon he's weighed up <sic> light/fast frame vs comfort and decided that comfort wins.

I seem to recall reading that given he's mostly riding on the flat in his view the benefit of a lighter bike is offset by the greater strength/reliability/fixability of a steel job. Once he's rolling the weight penalty is minimal.

yes, I recall this too. However, if you compare Steve's and Kurt's total climbing on Strava, Steve is doing many more hills than Kurt on a heavier bike.

Who am I to comment on Steve' bike choice - he will have spent months over months contemplating his choice. But for me, a lighter bike has made a big difference, even when not climbing up the Alps.

I changed from a Moulton TSR 30 to a Specialised Roubaix carbon frame a year ago for long distance rides, and my average speed went ob 2kph instantly. When I did a 400 on the Moulton in April, I was really suffering. Thanks to a professional bike fit, I do have not comfort issues whatsoever on the road bike.

red marley

Reliability may well be more important to Steve than it is to Kurt. As Kurt has motorised support, a mechanical from a more fragile but lighter bike can be dealt with by swapping bikes with a backup on the van (as he has done on many occasions this year). If Steve has a mechanical 200km from home it will be more difficult to sort out without losing lots of time.

ultra-light bikes aside i can't see how a lighter bike is less reliable. if we were talking about the resistance to angle grinder attack, then probably yes. but for normal steady riding that Steve is doing? i would definitely use a lighter bike; even 3-5km extra per day (in reality closer to 10k, imo) he could ride with a better bike could "buy" him four-five days by the end of year - for no extra effort!!i'm aware and sure that Steve has thought it through and chose his bikes and luggage that seemed most suitable for the job. however, i can't sit still thinking that he's reluctant to use some of easily available advantages - this challenge is such a massive commitment - why not do it full on?..

Agree completely re lighter bike. My friend, who is a Raleigh dealer, was also very surprised when he heard which bike Steve was going to use.

The other thing about Steve's bike setup that could be massively improved is his aerodynamics. Granted he is not going at high speeds most of the time (although he will spend a lot of time in a year going down hills and it will add up), but he looks like he is very high and pushing an awful lot of air, compared to, say, Kurt. So he needs to use more energy to get the same speed. or ride longer to get the same distance.

You can't just change your position overnight, you need to get used to it, so it's not a quick fix. But Steve does have all year, and I am convinced there would be big gains to be had if he worked at it.

I have no doubt that Steve has agonised long and hard, both before and during his current rides, over kit and clothing.

However a lot of this is very personal, and I would not suggest for a moment that Steve is wrong in any way. He could change a lot of things easily if he so wished, but I think he is doing just fine. He rides differently to Kurt, but I do think that Steve's steady repetitive rhythm obviously suits him best rather than upping the speed at the expense of something else.

If I were in his shoes (but never will be) I would do everything my way, in the way that felt most comfortable to me. Its not a race in the traditional sense and reliability and consistency are the key.

I dare say that if Steve had someone following/supporting like Alicia does, then there would be scope for change, but that simply isn't the case.

(Incidentally I find my 531c frame and the well worn Brooks much more comfortable and satisfying than using my Carbon Fibre framed bike on longer runs, so I am definitely in the TG camp here).

As a self confessed fan of steel framed bikes, I have to agree with his choice of frame too. The Sojourn's 631 butted steel and relaxed touring geometry will help soak up road shock and vibration better than any carbon or (shudder) alloy steed. I suppose he could have gone for Titanium but it's his choice and steel is tried and tested over decades, centuries even for bicycle frames.

Has it been reported anywhere what mileage Steve is getting from his Schwalbe One tyres? I've done just over 3000 km on mine and, while they look fine, I'm wondering when I'm likely to need to replace!